CELL PHYSIOLOGY AND RELATED LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIES

The course aims to provide the student with knowledge of physiology and cellular functions, including some mechanisms of interaction with the extracellular environment and other cells. The general principles underlying physiological functions, the mechanisms of homeostatic control, and their integration will be learned. Finally, the mechanisms underlying the cellular behaviour of cells that evade physiological mechanisms of homeostatic control will be analysed.

Knowledge and understanding

Particular attention and in-depth study will be devoted to the homeostatic control of cellular functions and to the mechanisms underlying intercellular communication. To know the fundamentals of cellular bioenergetics and the biochemical principles of nutrition. To know the morpho-functional organization of the systems and the mechanisms and processes that support the functioning of cells within organs and in homeostatic control.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

To understand the implications that knowledge of cellular and molecular physiology and its functioning have with respect to the maintenance of homeostasis.

To understand the levels of integration and increasing complexity of the human organism.

Autonomy of judgment

To be able to critically analyse scientific information and experimental data relating to cellular and molecular functions.

To be able to formulate reasoned personal judgments to solve analytical and complex problems and to independently seek scientific information.

To be able to formulate informed hypotheses, collect and critically evaluate data, in order to solve simple problems related to biotechnology and cellular physiology.

Communication skills

Ability to listen carefully in order to extract and synthesize the most relevant information on the study and characterization of cellular functions and share them with peers.

Learning skills

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the human sciences, being able to reflect on and discuss their influence on medical biotechnology.

To collect, organize, and critically interpret new scientific knowledge.

Frontal lectures. If the course will be delivered via distance learning or mixed, the appropriate changes with respect to what was stated may be introduced in order to deliver the entire program reported in the syllabus.

General Physiology
- Introduction to the study of cell physiology
- The basic cellular processes
- Intercellular communication
- Homeostasis and regulation
- Neurons: cellular properties and nervous network
- Neurotransmission
- Systematic receptors and functions
- Channel receptors and G protein coupled receptors
- Hormonal control
Applied Physiology
- Preclinical models in biomedical research
- Neurodegeneration and neuroprotection
- Stem cells
- Application of cell therapy
Laboratory
- Laboratory activities

- Human physiology: an integrated approach. 8 ed. Author: Silverthorn - Ed. Pearson

The final assessment consists of a single oral exam that the student can take in one of the exam sessions scheduled in the calendar. The final assessment may also be carried out remotely, should conditions require it. The exam allows verification of: i) the level of general knowledge and understanding of the subject; ii) the ability to apply such knowledge to solve specific problems and to develop autonomy of judgment; iii) clarity of exposition; iv) proper use of medical-scientific language.

Grade 29–30 cum laude: the student has an in-depth knowledge of the required topics, is able to promptly and correctly integrate and critically analyse the situations presented, independently solving even highly complex problems; has excellent communication skills and masters medical-scientific language.

Grade 26–28: the student has a good knowledge of the required topics, is able to integrate and critically and coherently analyse the situations presented, is able to solve fairly independently complex problems, and presents the topics clearly using appropriate medical-scientific language.

Grade 22–25: the student has a fair knowledge of the required topics, although limited to the main subjects; is able to integrate and critically analyse the situations presented, though not always coherently, and presents the topics fairly clearly with a reasonable command of language.

Grade 18–21: the student has the minimum knowledge of the required topics, has a modest ability to integrate and critically analyse the situations presented, and presents the topics in a sufficiently clear manner, although language proficiency is poorly developed.

Exam not passed: the student does not possess the minimum required knowledge of the main contents of the course. The ability to use specific language is very limited or absent, and the student is not able to independently apply the acquired knowledge.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the department.